VEGAS SPORTS REPORT: Brock Bowers’ Status Looms Over Raiders-Chargers Showdown
Las Vegas Raiders coach Klint Kubiak said the team will work out Brock Bowers before tomorrow’s (Sept. 20) game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium, meaning the star tight end, returning from knee surgery, still has a chance to suit up. But it’s a long shot. Bowers, who had a meniscus…
Las Vegas Raiders coach Klint Kubiak said the team will work out Brock Bowers before tomorrow’s (Sept. 20) game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium, meaning the star tight end, returning from knee surgery, still has a chance to suit up. Ashton Jeanty of the Las Vegas Raiders walks off the field after his team beat the Miami Dolphins in Las Vegas last weekend. (Image: Christian Petersen/Getty Images) But it’s a long shot. Bowers, who had a meniscus trim procedure on his left knee on Sept. 8, didn’t practice on Wednesday (Sept. 16) or Thursday (Sept. 17). The tight end returned for practice yesterday (Sept. 18) in a limited capacity. Bowers Remains Game-Time Question In his meeting with reporters yesterday, Kubiak repeatedly said the National Football League (NFL) season is “17 desperate games in a row.” “We have this one game in front of our face, and we’re focused on that,” he said. Kubiak was asked about the state of the Chargers going in, one of the several teams, like the Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos, that were handed an upset in Week 1, seemingly extra motivated for Week 2 not to go 0-2 and dig a hole for themselves. In a news conference lasting a little over three minutes, Kubiak didn’t buy the narrative. Jeanty Ready to Roll The same rule applies to his team, with reporters asking about their overconfidence after a 27-13 home win over the Miami Dolphins. “Hopefully [the players] are mature enough to know that one of 17 is nothing,” he said. Running back Ashton Jeanty, despite an ankle injury that sidelined him for two weeks before Week 1, fully participated in practice Friday (Sept. 18). Jeanty had 102 yards on 23 carries against the Dolphins, plus six receptions for 45 yards and two touchdowns. Offensive Line Excels Other notable factors going into Week 2: the Raiders, after restructuring their offensive line during the offseason, didn’t allow a sack against the Dolphins, opening lanes for Jeanty, but face a stiffer test tomorrow against Khalil Mack, Tuli Tuipulotu, and the Chargers’ front. Plus, the Raiders had five sacks in Week 1, led by Maxx Crosby and Kwity Paye, and the Chargers struggled to protect Justin Herbert in their upset loss to the Arizona Cardinals, 26-14. Circa Lands Major A’s Deal The Las Vegas Athletics, set to begin play at a new US$2 billion stadium on the Las Vegas Strip, announced a multi-year partnership with Circa Resort & Casino and Circa Sports Thursday (Sept. 17). The Major League Baseball (MLB) team is set to move from Oakland before the 2028 season. Circa was named the club’s first Founding Partner and was named an Official Resort and Sportsbook of the Las Vegas Athletics and the Las Vegas Athletics Ballpark. “Derek Stevens and the Circa team have been great partners to the A’s, supporting the Club in West Sacramento during our time there, and we’re excited to build on that relationship,” said Marc Badain, president of the Athletics. “As we look toward the opening of the A’s ballpark in Las Vegas, having Circa as our first Founding Partner is an important step in bringing our vision for a uniquely Las Vegas experience to life.” The Circa Dugout Box will be key to the partnership, a premium hospitality experience putting guests close to the action, connected directly with the A’s dugout. Golden Knights Open Preseason The Vegas Golden Knights start their National Hockey League (NHL) preseason campaign tonight (Sept. 19) against the Los Angeles Kings at Toyota Arena in Ontario, CA, where the Kings’ minor league team plays. The Kings’ home, Crypto.com Arena, is booked for UFC 331. Tonight’s lineup will focus more on the younger players. Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon said to expect that for the first two of four preseason games. That will likely mean a sizable amount of ice time tonight for Trevor Connelly, Vegas’ 2024 first-round pick. Connelly opened training camp skating on the club’s third line. The Golden Knights lost several depth players this offseason, so the 20-year-old left winger has several spots to potentially fill. Connelly Gets Early Opportunity The other big piece of news on the Golden Knights front this week was signing captain Mark Stone to a two-year extension worth US$9 million annually. Ryan Craig is making his debut behind the bench tonight for Las Vegas, replacing John Tortorella as coach. The question people have for the Golden Knights is: Can a team that came within two wins of the Stanley Cup last spring make another run while changing coaches and turning over the bottom of its roster? The post VEGAS SPORTS REPORT: Brock Bowers’ Status Looms Over Raiders-Chargers Showdown appeared first on Casino.org.